Method and sprinkling apparatus



Feb. 7, 1928.

R. A. JONES METHOD AND SPRINKLING APPARATUS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR FMWJO'W S Filed July 18, 1924 BY J gM/ g ATTORNEY Feb. 7, 1928.

R. A. JONES METHOD AND SPRINKLING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 770820 affJfiize s' N MN BY 0 M ATTORNEY Feb. 7, 1928. 1,658,202

R. A. JONES METHOD AND SPRINKLING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 r1714 J-EgQ 1; j

illlllllllllll ll INVENTOR 3027a from 6 ATTORNEY Feb. 7, 1928.

R. A. JONES METHOD AND SPRINKLING APPARATUS Filed July 18, 1924 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR 7902a flJarzes afl ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 7, 1928.

UNITED STATES ROLLA A. JONES, OF SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.

METHOD AN D SPBIN KLIN G APPARATUS.

Application filed m 18, 1924. Serial m. mm.

This invention relates to improvements in traveling sprinklers especially designed for use on lawns.

My improved sprinkler has to do with that class in which the sprinkler is advanced by a cable which is caused to be wound on a drum by means of a rotary sprinkler head, the water jetting from the head causing rotation of the latter.

Now it is one of the objects to provide means for governing the advancing speed of the sprinkler to a uniform rate, and in the most improved form, I employ a governor which controls the jets or nozzles of the propulsive sprinkler head in order to control the rate of speed of the latter, and resultantly, the advancing speed of the sprinkler itself.

A further object is to equip the sprinkler with a main sprinkling nozzle by means of which the main sprinkling or irrigating function is performed, and which is not in any way connected or controlled by the governor means whereby a spray of constant volume is delivered which only varies when the pressure of the source of supply varies. This, with a uniform speed, or a constant speed of advance of the sprinkler, irrespective of the rate to which it has been adjusted, affords a highly uniform sprinkling action.

It is therefore a feature of my invention to provide a traveling sprinkler with a propulsive sprinkler, whose action as a sprinkler is purely secondary and whose function is primarily propulsive; in combination with a main sprinkler nozzle whose function is solely that of irrigation.

It is a feature of my invention to interpose in the drum and cable mechanism a novel form of clutch which is readily capable of release to permit the cable to be paid out to any extent such as in originally set ting the machine wherein all the cable will or may be paid out or in starting, where a short length should be paid out so that the sprinkler will not begin to travel until the initial area is thoroughly sprinkled. It is a special feature of this phase of the invention to provide the improved clutch with means whereby it will automatically clutch in. without any manual attention.

A further novel feature consists in a hose reel and a hose connection arranged in such a novel manner that the hose may be connected up for water delivery to the machine and then reeled up on the reel, the latter turning as the machine advances to permit the hose to un-reel. It is also a feature of the invention to provide a hose connection so located that the hose may be dragged by the advancing machine in cases where sprinkling is performed in open spaces clear of trees and other obstructions that would resist movement of the hose.

A special feature consists in dirigible means on the machine which is associated with the sprinkler advancin cable in such a novel manner that the cabre will steer the machine in the predetermined path in which the cable has been laid out. and a further feature consists in means on the cable for coaction with a shut-off device for automatically arresting the machine.

My invention includes direction hubs adapted to be anchored in a manner to dispose the cable in the path which it is desired that the machine will traverse, these direction hubs functioning more especiall where it is desired that the machine shal take a circuitous course of travel.

It is a special feature of my invention to arrange and construct the diri ible means so that the latter will coact witli the direction hubs in a manner to cause the machine to change its course of travel.

My invention also consists in the method of sprinkling. as hereinafter set forth.

The invention has many other features and objects which will be more fully described in connection with the accompanying drawings and which will be more particularly pointed out in and by the appended claims.

In the drawings Fig. 1, is a view in side elevation illustrating the most improved form of my invention.

Fig. 2, is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3, is a rear view thereof.

Fig. 4, is a sectional view on line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5, is an enlarged sectional view on line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6, is an enlarged sectional view on line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7, is a sectional view on line 7-7 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 8, is an enlarged sectional view on line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9, is an enlarged plan view of the clutch and drum mechanism.

Fig. 10, is a sectional view on line, 10-10 of Fig. 9.

F i 11, is a view similar to Fig. 10, with the c utch in another position.

Fig. 12, is a sectional view on line 12-12 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 13, is a sectional view on line 13-13 of Fig. 9.

Fig. 14, is a sectional view on line 14-14 of Fig. 10.

Fig. 15, is a view partly in section and plartly in elevation of my improved sprining column.

Fig. 16, is a plan view of one of the ropulsiive nozzles of the propulsive sprin 'ng Fig. 17 is a sectional view thereof on line 17-17 of Fig. 16.

Fig. 18, is a view thereof partly in section and partly in elevation.

Fig. 19, is an enlarged sectional view of one of 1518' improved leak revention collars.

Fig. is a view in si e elevation of the main sprinkler nozzle.

Fig. 21, is a plan view thereof with the nozzle cap removed.

F 22, is a plan view of a form of nozzle ca 'scharging a half circle spray.

ig. 23, is a plan view of a nozzle cap discharging a rectangular spray.

Fig. 24, is a diagrammatic view showing the machine in plan and equipped with a rectangular spray nozzle cap and illustrating the manner in which the cable is laid to cause the machine to traverse a circuitous path about several obstructions such as trees.

Fig. 25, is a view in side elevation showing one of my direction hubs and the manner in which the steering handle is about to lift the cable from the hub.

Fig. 26, is a similar view showing how the handle has lifted the cable of! from the hub.

Like characters of reference designate similar parts throughout the different figures of the drawings.

As shown, the device of my invention involves a carriage having a main frame structure generally designated at 1, rear ground whee s 2 and 3 and a front steering wheel 4. The steering wheel 4 is journalled in the ends 5, of a U-shaped yoke whose bi ht 6, is swivelled at 7. to the forward end of ame -1 so that the wheel 4 can act as a steerin wheel. The rear ends 8 and 9, are mounte rear wheels 2 and 3, and whereb the rear end of the frame 1,is supported. t will now be clear that this carriage is not of the tileable form but is self stable by reason of its having more than two wheels.

This rear end has certain novel features of construction which I will now describe in detail.

This rear axle, 10, is an axle forming pipe section on which wheels 2 and 3 are preferably rotatively mounted. A swivelled joint 11, which need not be illustrated in detail, is preferably provided with an exterior nut 12, adapted to be held against rotation by a notched retainer 13, secured to the frame at 14. This swivelled joint 11, connects the axle forming pipe section 10 with the stationary rear end 15, of a main pipe line, to be later described, and permits of rotation of the section 10. A hose reel is loosely mounted on section 10 and may coingrise side discs 16 and a hollow drum 17. A

ranch 18. leading from section 10, extends radially through the periphery of drum 17, and terminates in a hose coupling 19. The drum 17, is suitably cut away at 20, to permit of projection therethrough of branch 18, and as the drum or reel is rotated when the hose is aid out, the drum 17 causes branch 18 an also section 10, to correspondingly rotate, hence the necessity of swivel joint 11. This section 10, is a water conveying section from left to right of Fig. 3, up to T-fitting 21 the pipe 10 being suitably plugged at 22.

it will now be clear that the free end of a line of hose may first be screwed onto coupling 19, and then the hose reel is manually rotated until the entire length of hose, or as much thereof as desired, is wound on the reel. Then, as the carriage advances, the hose is paid out, the water passing through the hose, to the machine, in a manner to be later described. Thus, this hose reel not only serves for storage of the hose, but in case the area to he s rinkled is interrupted by trees, bushes an other obstructions, it serves to pay out the hose as the sprinkler travels and avoids friction in dragging the hose around such obstructions.

I will next describe the main pipe line leading forwardly from the rear terminal 15.

To this elbow 15, is attached a section 23,

.which is connected with an elbow 24 to a section 25 the latter terminating in a fitting 26. To this fitting is secured a hose coupling 27, in close proximity to the ground, whereto the free end of the line of hose may be connected in case the area to be sprinkled is free and unobstructed, and wherein it is practical to drag the entire length of hose. Of course, it will be understood that the hose cou ling not in serv ice, will be suitably closed. owever, it will now be clear that I provide for either a hose reel or a ground drag 'ng hose connection. Re erence will next be made to my imroved shut-off device whereby the carria e is brought to a position of rest when t e cable, to be later described, is reeled up, and in the present construction, the function of upright and which is gipe section, of the main line, esignated at 28, extends upwardly from fitting 26, and there is interposed in said section a shut-off valve 29, of the ring type which is opened against and close by an internally disposed spring which it is not necessary to detail. In Fig. 4, the valve is considered to be in an open sition. The valve has an arm 30, to which is pivoted at 31, a lever 32, the arm 33 of which extends upwardly abreast of the shoulder 34, of a detent lever 35. This lever 35, is pivoted 'at 36, to the frame 1, and its free end is pivoted at 37, to a rod 38. A sprin 39, having one end connected with said ever and its other end connected with frame 1, normally holds the parts in the position shown in Fig. 2. When a thrust on rod 38, moves lever 35, in a contra-clockwise direction, the shoulder 34, will release arm 33, and the valve spring (not shown) will close valve 29, and shut off the water until the parts are manually adjusted into the osition just described and shown in Fig. 2. e forward end portion of rod 38, is suitably guided in an eye 40, and the rod is bent at 41, and terminates in a stop eye 42, for coaction with the advancing cable, as will later appear.

I will next describe a strainer preventing foreign matter from clogging the sprinkling nozzles and which is located in a position to protect all of the sprinkling apparatus.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 6, 43 designates a union to which the upper end of section 28 is screwed and delivers. A coupling 44, unites fitting 43 with a globe 45 designed to catch any sediment. Globe 45, has a sediment plug 46, screwed into the bottom thereof and removable therefrom. A screen plu 47, is screwed into globe 45, as shown, an serves to hold a spring ressed screen in position and permit with rawal of the latter, as will be presently described. A T-tittin 48, is disposed in fitting 43, and is connected with the lower end of nozzle section 49, which is provided with a shut-off valve 50. A propulsive section 51 has one end connected with fitting 48 and like section 49, it receives screened water therefrom. A screen pipe section 52 is connected with fitting 48. and extends into globe 45 and is provided with a series of perforations 53. A tubular screen telescopes over the left hand end of section 52 and consists of an inner sleeve 54, perforated as shown, and an outer tubular screen 55 joined to the inner sleeve at the ends, at 56, to form a unitary screen structure. An expansively acting spring 57, is interposed between this screen structure and the fitting 48, and retains the former in the position shown with its outer end in contact with plug 47. Thus, when plug 47, is unscrewed and removed, the spring 57 will protect the screen structure toward the left of 6, far enough to be manually remove entirely from globe 45, for cleaning or other purposes. The path of the water is upwardly throu h section 28 into fitting 43, thence to the le into globe 45, and through screen 55 and into section 52, either through its perforations or through the left hand open end of said section 52. The water then is free to flow up through section 49, to the main nozzle, or through section 51, to the propulsive nozzles, as will later appear.

I will next descrihethe main sprinkler nozzle and the novel features thereof, reference being had to Figs. 1, 20, 21, 22 and 23.

The base 58, of the main nozzle, is of the well known swirling type, the same having a plurality of ports 59 of spiral form which open into the concave top 60. of the base and therefore impart a whirling movement to the water. Now it is a feature of my invcntion to apply to this well known base, novel forms of nozzle caps for obtaining a nozzle discharge of a character different from any known to me. In Fig. 23, I have shown a cap 61, having end slots 62. to permit of bolting the cap 61 to the base, the latter having corresponding slots as shown. This cap has an elevated central ortion 63, which adds to the area of the charm er resulting from the concave top 60. This cap is provided with an opening of rectangular form, preferably square, as indicated at 64. By means of this novel formation, the sprinkler can be advanced in close parallel relation with a house, as indicated by dotted line 65, of Fig. 24, and yet not discharge any water against the house, as would be the case if the spray were circular, in which event, the area close to the house would not be sprinkled thoroughly, unless the water reached the side of the house, as will be now obvious. Further, in sprinkling the outer frontage of the lawn, this form of sprinkler is of great advantage. In view of the foregoing disclosure, it will not be necessary to further detail the advantages of this form of sprinkler.

In Fig. 22, I have shown another form of nozzle cap in all respects similar to that of Fig. 23, except for the important change in the form of the nozzle opening. In this form, the opening 66, is shown to be of a generally circular contour but less than a com plete circle, the extent of the segment being accurately shown in Fig. 22. The extent of projection over a semi-circle, as indicated at 67, is found necessary, in actual practice, in order to get a complete semicircular spray. I have found in practice, that if the opening is limited to a semi-circle, I get materially less than a semi-circular spray. One

reason for this is the fact that when the chine. as indicated in'dotted lines in Fig. 22. The advantages of this form of spray will be obvious to anyone skilled in the art, without being detailed.

It will be noticed that the main s )rinkler nozzle is located at a relatively higi elevation, which permits of effective sir-inkling even where bushes and shrubs are iigh. It will also he. noted that the spray from this main nozzle is constant, dependent upon adjustment of valve 50. and that its only variation will h that of variation of supply at the source. In other words. this main nozzle is not a propulsive nozzle for advancing the carriage and hence its discharge is constant.

Reference will next be made to my improved propulsive sprinkler mechanism, reference being had more particularly to Figs. 1, and 15 to it), hoth inclusive.

A supporting frame 68, mounted on the main frame 1, forms a support for all of the main line piping, the section 51. thereof, being secured to said frame at 69. Said section 51, terminates in an interiorly open bearing which serves as a water feed bearing for a sprinkler column, which I will now describe. This column consists of an n right rotatable tube 71, which is closed or p ugged at its lower end by a foot journal 72, having a bearing at 73. fixed to the frame. The upper end of said journal is internally secured to the lower end of tube 71. to close the latter against discharge of water at its lower end. Said journal has a worm 75, whereby a cable drum may be rotatively driven, as will presently appear. A water shed having sloping roof portions 76 and side walls 77, is suitably and removabl mounted on the frame to protect the clutc and drum mechanism and the train of gearing, to be later described. This propulsive tube 71, extends upwardly through the roof 7 G, and the latter has an upwardly projecting sleeve 78, surrounding said tube 71.

I will next describe the novel means whereby water may be supplied from fixed bearing 70 to rotating tube 71, substantially without leakage either exteriorly of the bearing or along the peripher of said tube.

Said tube 71, has openings 79, abreast of the interior space or chamber 80, in bearing 70. whereby water may be delivered to he interior of tube 71. A leak prevention collar 81. seats on top of bearing 70, and has an annular flange 82. secured in bearin 70 and rotatively journalling tube 71, and closing the top of bearing 70, against leakage of water. A companion collar 83, is secured to tube 71. preferably by a set screw 84, to cause said collar 83 to rotate with said tube 71. Referring to Fig. 19, it will be seen that collar 81 has a flange 85, into which the central portion of collar 83 telescopes. The meeting faces of collars 81 and 83, have intel-fitting and alternately disposed annular grooves and ribs or projections of complemental and coat-ting contour.

The projecting ribs of collar 81, are designated at 87, and the grooves at 88. The ribs of collar 83 are designated at 89 and the grooves at 90. Now it will be clear that these inter-tilting grooves and ribs have clearance spaces therebetwccn and do not fit tightly. Preferably. and as shown. the cir- (-ulnt' annular and lateral spaces 91, are slightly greater than the end spaces 9:3. As a result of these spaces the water will first seek enhance to a narrow space. the next space being greater, and as the water enters a space of greater area from one of less area, the water will eddy, and as this occurs in a radial series of steps, the leakage at the periphery of the collars will be, if any, so little as to be nugatory. for this kind of a machine. In fact. this progressive series of resistance spaces against leakage will be so effieient that the water 'will find a path of lesser resistance through the propulsive nozzles, to be presently described. By means of this construction, I avoid the necessity of fabric or other kinds of acking which would objectionably add to fiiction if tight enough to be effective. The friction of these coacting collars is hardly appreciable.

The lower endof bearing 70, is closed by a pair of collars 93 and 94 of the same construction, and operating in the same way. and therefore need not be described in detail. The collar 94. is fixed to tube 71, by a set screw 95. to rotate therewith. On the bottom of collar 94, is secured, as by screws 96, a packing 97, which very tightly fits the periphery of tube 71, and as it rotates therewith, this packing does not add friction. The screws 96, extend through a sleeve head 98. having a sleeve 99. which outwardly telescopes sleeve 78, and thereby revents water from going through the roof 6. As the weight of the water column is susta ned by the foot journal 72, and as the latter and its worm and the worm wheel coacting therewith must be very effectively lubricated, the importance of the packing 97 and sleeves 78 and 99, will now be clearly appreciated.

I will next describe the propulsive sprinkler head and the governing means whereby advance of the carriage is made uniform, reference being had more particularly to Figs. 15 to 18, both inclusive.

A fitting 100, is fixed to the top end 74 of tube 71 and has branches to which the inner ends of sprinkler head arms 101 are secured. The upper end of fitting 100 is closed by the lower end of a governor post 102. which is secured therein and which projects upwardly therefrom and rotates therewith. On the outer end of each arm 101 is secured a T-fitting 103. suitably disposed in reverse or oppose inclines of forty five degrees. As both are identical in construction and operation. only one need be described in detail. The fitting 103 is provided at one end with a clean-out plug 104, which is readily removable. In the other end is screwed a nozzle lug 105, having a nozzle bore 106, preferab y off-center from the longitudinal axis of said plug. A nozzle controller 107, having a concave recess 107' equal to the diameter of bore 106, is rotatably disposed in intersecting relation to bore 106 and extends through plug 106 at substantiall right angles to the axis of the latter. IVhen controller 107, is in the adjustment shown, in Fig. 17, the nozzle bore 106 is fully opened. but when controller 107 is turned from this osition, the bore 106 is more or less closed maccordance with the rotative adjustment of controller 107. Controller 107 has an arm 108 provided with a crank end 109, to which is secured the outer end of a governor link 110, whereby rotative adjustment is imparted to controller 107. The links 110 are ivotally connected with the ends 111, of a -lever 112, pivoted at 113 to the post 102. Said lever has an arm 114, to which is pivoted a rod 115, having a shoulder 116, between which and the lower end of said rod is interposed a sprin 117, the function of which is to resist action of the governor to close nozzle bores 106. A sleeve 118. is slidable on post 102 and to this sleeve at 119. is pivoted the lower ends of links 120. The upper ends of these links 120 are pivoted at 121 to rods 122 carrying governor balls 123, at their outer ends. The inner ends of said rods 122 are pivoted at 124. to post 102.

The novel feature of this construction consists in providing governor means for controlling the water discharge from the propulsive nozzles of the propulsive sprinkler head, and, resultantly, making the advancing speed of the sprinkler constant, and uniform. In practice, the streams from the propulsive nozzles will be almost constantly changing and hence, major reliance is not placed primarily on these propulsive nozzles for sprinkling purposes by reason of such variation. Further, the volume of water necessary to operate the propulsive head, is not always sutiicient for the performance of complete irrigation. Therefore, the importance of a main sprinkler nozzle of constant How, in combination with a propulsive sprinkler means, will now be fu ly appreciated. However, in some kinds of work, I have found that tho propulsive head will afford sufiicient sprinkling action and under such conditions, the valve 50 may be closed.

I will next describe my improved drumclutch and cable mechanism which is driven by the sprinkler column for the'purpose of advancin the carriage.

Referring to Fig. 15, it will be seen that worm 75, meshes with a worm wheel 125 on counter shaft 126. It will be clear that worm 75 can be lifted out of. and lowered into mesh with wheel 125 by manual movement of the s rinkler column in the direction of the 8X15 of the latter. It is merely necessary to loosen set screws 95 and 84, in order to lift the tube 71 bodily upwardly through the shed and bearing 70, or lower the same therethrough. Now referring to Figs. 9 to 14, it will be noted that frame 68 includes longitudinals 127, in which the counter shaft 126 is journ'aled. This shaft, which is driven b the sprinkler column, has a pinion 128 which drives a clutch gear wheel 129. lVheel 129 is loose on shaft 130, which is also journalled'in frame members 127. A winding drum 131, having side discs 132 and 133, is loose on shaft 130 and is held against movement away from wheel 129 by a spacin sleeve 134. A cable or rope 135 is reele or wound onto drum 131 and preferably has one end anchored thereto, in any of the usual ways. This cable 135, as shown in F i 7, is trained under a roller 136, to be ater described, and between sheaves 137 and 138, journalled in a bearing 139, which latter is mounted on the front end of frame 1, as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 5. This bearing is equipped with guards 140, having outwardly curved ends 141, for guiding the cable 135, and between which guards is disposed the loop 42. Said cable has an enlargement or lug 142 for engagement with loop 42, to shift rod 38 rearwardly and cause lever 35, to release arm 33,

whereby the spring closing valve 29, will shut-off the supply of water to the main nozzle and also to the propulsive sprinkler head, when a predetermined amount of cable has been wound on the drum 131. This action, as hereinbefore described, arrests propulsive action and brings the carriage to a position of rest, automatically.

I have provided a novel device for retain ing the coiled cable, especially if it is a wire cable, from enlarging its coiled relation with respect to the drum, which I will next describe in detail.

As shown, I have provided a leather or other type of belting 143, which, as shown in Figs. 7 and 9, is of a width equal to the space between the drum sides 132 and 133, and peripherally engages the cable coils of the drum for a little less than half of the circumference thereof. in the present construction. One end of said belt may be secured, removably, at 144, to the under face of the water shed 76. and the other end is shown secured to a spring 145. The spring 145 may have its remaining end secured to a brace rod 146, or to any other suitable point of anchorage. Thus it will be seen that irrespective of the varyin diameter of the coiled cable on the drum, obtain a yielding pressure throu bout the width thereof to prevent the ca 1e from tin-coilin or in other words, preventing the last coils from enlarging and thereby winding cris-cros.

I provide means acting to prevent. the cable from coiling in irregular form on the drum, which will next be described.

An inverted U-shaped frame 147, has its sides 148 secured to frame members 127 and the lower ortions of said frame are connected witi sta rods 149 and 150. The cable 135, is trained under roller 136, heretofore referred to, and the latter is mounted in a manner so that rods 149 and 150 will notpermit the cable to descend, even when not taut, below the larger central diameter of said roller. I find in practice, that with this type of roller having its larger diameter centrally disposed and taperin toward its ends, the cable winds smootlily onto the .drum and the coils do not overlap.

Reference will next be made more specifically to my improved clutch mechanism and I will again refer to Figs. 9 to 14.

A clutch lever 151, is pivoted at 152, on clutch wheel 129 and has a knob 153 whereby said lever may be manually adjusted from the clutch-in osition shown in Fig. 10 to the un-clutche position shown in Fig. 11. A clutch stud 154 is carried by said lever and is adapted for engagement with peripherally disposed notches in-a clutch disc 155, which is loose on shaft 130 and which is pinned to drum side disc 182 as indicated at 156. Thus, when the lever 151 is in the position shown in Fig. 10, the drum is clutched to wheel 129, positively, and when in the position shown in Fig. 11, the drum is free to rotate and the user may manually pay out any desired len th of cable. Thus. in starting the sprinfiler, it is not desired that the carriage should commence to advance until the area of lawn around the initial location of the sprinkler has been thoroughly sprinkled. Hence, in practice, a number of feet of the cable would be manually paid out by first adjusting the clutch into the position shown in Fig. 11, so that the drum would be free from the gear train. Now, if the user forgot to adjust the clutch into the position shown in Fig. 10. after the initial area had been sprinkled, the. carriage would never advance at all,

and the next morning. the user would tind the sprinkler just where he had started it.

In order to avoid the foregoing, and to insure rogress of the carriage after the initial s ack of wire cable should be taken up, but is not, I have made my improved clutch mechanism an automatic clutch-in device so that after it is once set open, it will close without any manual or other adjustment, as will now be explained.

A spring 157, has one end connected at 158, with lever 151, and the other end connected at 159, with wheel 129, and normally acts to throw the lever 151 into the position shown in Fig. 10.

A detent lever 160, is pivoted at 161, to a bracket 162, mounted at 163, on one spoke of wheel 129. Said lever 160 has a shoulder 164, at its radially outer end which is adapted to engage lever 151 and retain the latter in the un-clutch adjustment shown in Fig. 11, after said lever 151 has manually been adjusted into said position. A spring 165, secured to the wheel 129 at 166, and havin its free end engaging the radially inner en of lever 160, acts to throw said lever into the position shown in Figs. 11 and 14 when said lever 151 is moved outwardly. Now the radially inner end of lever 160 has a flattened edge 167, adapted to come into contact with a cam throw-out, next to be described, when the propulsive gear train rotates wheel'129 in the directions of the arrows shown in Figs. 9 and 13 a sufficient distance to bring lever 160 into engagement with said cam. As shown, said cam may comprise a strip .of metal 168, bent upon itself to form a doubly inclined cam ortion 169, the upper portion in Fig. 13, being the active cam portion. This cam has a lateral extension 170, which is pivoted on shaft 130, and a stop 171, adapted. for engagement with frame member 127, limits movement of said cam in the direction of the arrow shown in Fig. 12. Viewing Fig. 13, it will be clear that when the edge 167 engages cam portion 169, the radially inner end of lever 160 will he forced inwardly and the radially outer end will he moved outwardly thereby disengaging shoulder 164 from lever 151 and freeing the latter for radial inwardmovement by spring 157 until the stud 154 engages the periphery of disc 155. Disc 155 has a plurality of notches 172, into any one of which stud 154 may descend and as wheel 129 continues to rotate, the stud 154 will enter the first notch 172 and then the drum will be automatically clutched-in and will commence to wind up cable 135, and then the carriage will advance. Advancing movement of the carriage will continue until lug 142, engages loop 42, as hereinbefore explained. One reason for pivoting the cam on shaft 130, is to permit of manually advancing the cam toward lever 160. as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12, should the user want to effect a clutch-in engagement or adjustment manually and not wait for lever 160 to reach the cam.

At this point it will be clear that belt 143, always exerts a drag on the cable drum therefore it will be clear that when the cable drum is un-clutched. it will not be free to rotate idly and possibly delay an automatic clutch-in action of lever 151. due to friction of stud 154 on disc 155. While I have shown disc 155 as separate and distinct from disc 132, it will be understood that I consider the former as a part of the drum structure to which it is secured.

I have hereinbefore referred to the steering wheel 4, and I will now describe an important feature of my invention whereby the steering wheel is, through the instrumentality of a steering member, so associated with the advancing cable that the carriage will be positively guided in the path corresponding to the location of the cable.

A steering tongue or handle 173 has a forked end 174 that is pivoted at 175 to the yoke of the steering wheel 4. The forward end of the handle or tongue terminates in an open handle portion 176 which may be conveniently gripped when advancing the carriage manua ly from place to place and which is shaped to slide on the surface of the lawn, while the carriage is being advanced by the cable. This handle portion 176 performs a further function in connection with the cable 135, which will be later described. However, it is a special feature of my invention to dispose the handle in coacting relation with cable 135, and as shown, I have provided the handle 173 with an eye 177, through which the cable 135 runs. This eye is sutficiently large in internal diameter to ermit of passage of stop lug 142, heretofbre described, and one reason for tapering the ends 142' of said lug is to facilitate its passage through said eye 177. It will be noted that the eye 177 is located sufiiciently forwardly on the handle 173, to afford the latter ample and easy steering leverage on the steering wheel to readily turn the same in response to the steering action of the cable, as will be presently described. Thus it will be seen, that with a carriage having more than two ground wheels, and a steering mechanism, the cable erforms the dual function of advancing an steering the carriage.

Reference will next be made to the manner in which the cable is anchored to cause the carriage either to advance in a straight forward path, or in any circuitous path which obstructing trees or shrubs may necessitate. I

The outer end of cable 135 terminates in a ring 178 through which a suitable stake 179 may be driven into the ground as an extreme point or terminal of the path of the sprinkler. It will be noted that lug 142 is located sufiicient in the rear of ring 178 so that lug 142 can reach the position shown in Fig. 5, and also actuate loop 42 and stop the carriage before the forward end of handle 173 reaches stake 179. If there are no obstructions, the cable would be initially laid out in a straight line, but if an area about trees is to be sprinkled. as indicated in Fig. 24. then, the sprinkler ind cated at A, must take a circuitous course about the trees B, C and D.

I will now describe my improved devices, which I will term direction hubs whereby the cable may be held in the contour shown in Fig. 24, or in any other contour, and whereby coaction of handle portion 176 with said hubs will automatically release the cable successively from said hubs as the sprinkler is advanced, reference being made to Figs. 25 and 26.

As shown, a cam base 180, adapted to rest on the ground, forms, with an upper annular the ca 1e 135. It will be noted that the base has a conical periphery which tapers from the bottom toward the top of the cam base. Said base has an arm 183 which is pivoted at 184 to a stra 185. This strap 185 ex tends around a s eeve 186, throu h which is driven a rod or stake 187 a sufliizient depth into the ground to hold the device in position. A retainer arm 188, is also pivoted at 184 and lies upon the top of base 180 as a sort of protection to the cable and to prevent as far as possible, its disconnection from groove 181, by accident.

Now it will be clear that as the handle portion 176 engages the bottom and outer rim of base 180 and is advanced toward the same, said portion will ride upwardly 0n the conical periphery, as shown in Fig. 26, thereby lifting the cable 135 off from the grooved portion 181, the handle also raising arm 188 to permit disconnection of the cable. Assuming that this action occurred at hub designated at E, in Fig. 24, it will be clear that a certain but slight slack would be present in the cable 135. Continued operation of the cable drum would of course soon take up this slack and the released cable portion would become taut, as shown at dotted lines at 135', causing the handle 173 to also shift into the dotted line position and thereby changing the advancing course of the sprinkler A, accordingly, to avoid contact with tree 13. The action in connection with the remaining direction hubs would of course be the same and therefore need not be described in detail. The remaining hubs are generally designated by letter F, in Fig. 24.

When the hose is reeled up and full of water, the machine load is at maximum at the start and gradually decreases. lVhen the hose is dragged on the ground, the resistance to advance of the machine gradually increases. Movement of the wheels against slight obstructions such as small stones or sticks, or when the lawn is slightly rolling, serves constantly to change the load drag. In fact. I have closely watched the machine on clear level ground, and the propulsive jets are substantially constantly changing in volume thereby proving the variable resistance to advance of the machine. Now. as previously stated, it is a great desideratum of this invention, both as a method, and as lgroove 181, a means of engagement for carriage, a rotatin an apparatus, to not only obtain a uniform advancing speed of the carriage, but to obtain this uniformity of advancing speed by controlling the propulsive jets.

I also consider it a vastly important feature to not only mount the governor on the propulsive head, but to obtain operation of the governor, or in other words, rotation of the governor, in this way, since it avoids belting or gearing which would otherwise be necessary to cause rotation of the governor.

It is believed that the method and apparatus of my invention will be fully understood from the fore oing description, and while I have herein 8 own one form of my invention, I do not wish to be limited thereto except for such limitations as the claims may im ort.

claim 1. A traveling sprinkler comprising, a w sprinkler head on said carriage and geared to advance the latter, a governor controlling egress of 'water from said head to regulate the spegd of travel of said carriage to a substantially uniform rate, and a mam sprinkler head discharging a constant volume of water irrespective. of the variable amount of water discharged from said rotating sprinkler head.

2. A traveling sprinkler comprising. a carriage, a movable sprinkler head on said carriage and geared to advance the latter. and a governor for regulating the speed of travel of said carriage to-a substantially uniform rate of travel.

3. A traveling sprinkler comprising. a carriage, a rotating sprinkler head on said carriage and geared to advance the latter and having closable nozzles, and a governor rotated by said head and having means for closing and opening said nozzles to render the rate of travel of said carriage substantially uniform.

4. A traveling sprinkler comprising, a carriage, a rotating sprinkler head geared to advance said carriage, and a governor carried and operated by said head and contmlling egress of water from said head to render the rate of travel of said carriage substantially uniform.

5. A traveling sprinkler comprising. a carriage, a propulsive sprinkler head therefor having nozzles of fixed bore, each nozzle having a shut-off therein to intersect and vary the size of said bore on rotary adjustment of said shut-off, and automatically acting means for actuating said shut-oil's to render the rate of travel of said carriage substantially uniform.

6. A traveling sprinkler comprising. a carriage, a rotatable sprinkler column for advancin said carriage and compo ed of an uprig t tube closed at its lower end an"- in driving connection with said carriage, a

sprinkling head fixed on the upper end of said tube and rcceivin water therefrom, and a governor carried y the upper end of said head and controlling egress of water from said head to regulate the rate of travel of said carria e.

7. A traveing sprinkler comprising, a carriage having supporting wheels and a supportlng1 steering wheel, a rotatable sprinkler end on said carriage adapted for connection witha supply of water under pressure, a cable drum on said carriage geared to be driven by said head, a cable wound on said drum and adapted to be anchored in an advance position with respect to said carriage, and a steering handle pivotall connected with said steering wheel and sli ably connected with said cable in advance of said steering wheel to steer the advancing sprinkler in accordance with the anchored location of said cable.

8. A traveling sprinkler comprising, a carriage, a rotating sprinkler head on said carriage, a pi e .line on said carriage for supplying sai head'with water and said pipe ine having a shut-oil valve therein, a cable drum on said carriage geared to be driven by said head, a cable on said drum for advancing said carriage, and means on said cable for causing actuation of said shutoff valve to arrest said carria e.

9. In combination, a travel ing sprinkler, an anchored cable, said sprinkler having mechanism for winding up said cable to advance said sprinkler, a direction hub having an annular cam and rovided with a cable groove contiguous wit the apex of said cam and said groove being adapted to hold a bight of said cable in a deflected position, and a handle pivoted to said sprinkler and in coacting guided relation with said cable and having a forward end portion adapted to ride u on said camand release said cable from said groove.

10. The herein-described method of propelling a travelling sprinkler, which consists. 1n jetting water to apply propulsive thrust to the sprinkler, and in controlling the jets of water to render the rate of advance of the sprinkler substantially uniform irrespective of variation of pressure at the source of supply of. the water.

11. A hose supplied travelling sprinkler com rising, a carriage, a rotating sprinkler hea thereon geared to rdvance said carriage, a governor controlling the jets of water from said sprinkler to regulate the speed of travel of said carriage. and nr-ans on said carriage for supporting and paving out the hose to eliminate modificatimi of speed of said carriage by dragging resistance of the hose.

12. A hose supplied travelling sprinkler comprising, a carriage having a main nozzle for discharging a uniform volume of water, from said main nozzle, and means on said a rotating sprinkler head geared to advance carriage for supporting and paying out the said carriage, a governor for controlling the hose to eliminate variable dragging resistl0 jets of water issuing from said sprinkler auce of the latter.

head to render the speed of travel of said In testimony that I claim the foregoing sprinkler substantially uniform and thereas my own, I hereby aflix my signature.

by cause a substantially uniform irrigation ROLLA A. JONES. 

